Grades 7 & 8
The SOAR to Secondary (SOAR) program is a small-group high-school transition support program for children in Grades 7 and 8 with a diagnosed, identified, or suspected learning disability. This program aims to prepare students for the transition to secondary by equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate their new school environment and advocate for their learning needs, thus fostering strong socio-emotional skills to set them up for success.
In SOAR, participants work on identifying their individual strengths and areas of improvement, communicating their needs, and developing strategies to prepare for a positive transition to high-school. Sessions are taught using a combination of discussion, instruction, and engaging activities.
Questions? Contact Program Coordinator, Taylor Lloyd | tlloyd@LDANiagara.org
Participant Eligibility
Participants attending the sessions must:
- Be in Grade 7 or 8 at the time of participation;
- Have a diagnosed or suspected Learning Disability (click here for the definition of a Learning Disability);
- Have an Individual Education Plan (IEP);
- Not be diagnosed/identified with an intellectual disability or have significant behavioural support needs.
Please Note: Exceptionalities such as ADHD, Autism, Mild Intellectual Disability, etc. are NOT a Learning Disability. While these exceptionalities may impact an individual’s learning, a Learning Disability is a specific impairment and is distinct from other exceptionalities.
Spring 2023 Program Details
| Cost: | Free! * |
| Dates: | May 2 – June 20 |
| Days of the Week: | Tuesdays |
| Duration: | 8 weeks (see schedule below) |
| Time: | 6:00 – 7:00 pm |
| Location: | Online (Microsoft Teams) |
* Fees subject to change. An annual family LDA Membership fee is $50. For more information on the LDA Membership program click here. If you require financial assistance, subsidy and payment plans may be available.
Weekly Schedule
| Date | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction |
| Week 2 | IEPs and Accommodations |
| Week 3 | Strengths and Needs |
| Week 4 | Self-Advocacy at High-School |
| Week 5 | Study and Organization Techniques |
| Week 6 | Managing and Coping with Stress |
| Week 7 | Resources Available at High-School |
| Week 8 | Wrap-Up and Panel Discussion |
Testimonials
“My daughter is a bit shy and anxious when her surroundings change. This program was recommended to assist her when she goes to high school. My daughter developed an understanding of her learning abilities and disabilities. She was shown some strategies and techniques to help her studies. Since the program, my daughter is less anxious. The SOAR Secondary Program helped her calm down and work through her struggles. My daughter now recognizes where she needs help and how to deal with it, which will help her throughout her life. This is an excellent program! We didn’t need to force my daughter to go online. She was ready for each session and happy to participate.”
“I thought the SOAR Secondary Program sessions were very informative. After the sessions, my daughter would come tell us about the different sessions, her thoughts, and ideas. We noticed throughout the sessions that our daughter gained more confidence and became more comfortable talking about high school. Our daughter is now excited to go to high school!”
“My son thoroughly enjoyed the SOAR Secondary Program. My son with ADHD and anxiety was very nervous about the transition to high school but he is now looking forward to visiting his new high school for a tour! My son is now enthusiastic about starting high school. He has gone from being anxious and asking a lot of questions, to being enthusiastic and excited about the change. This program really helped my son, he is so much more positive!“